Overview
Our 3 day West Coast Gold Rush independent cycle trip from Hokitika to Greymouth in New Zealand is ideal for strong bike riders seeking to put the ride under their wheels or those taking a long weekend.
On your adventure you will discover historic gold-mining towns, wild native bush and rugged coastlines, all whilst taking in awe-inspiring vistas of the Southern Alps.
E-bike Upgrade
Explore the West Coast Wilderness Trail on our E-bikes equipped with the most advanced technology allowing smooth electric motor operation so you’ll have power boost when needed. Enjoy the ride from a comfortable upright riding position.
Scenic Waterways Experience (Superior Level)
Discover Lake Mahinapua’s remote wilderness location on a West Coast Scenic Waterways tour, a family-run operation that takes you on a boat cruise on the lake for a wonderful stay in a self-contained cottage where you take in grand views of the Southern Alps and enjoy on-site dining. On our West Coast Gold Rush superior package, experience the Scenic Waterways on the first night.
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ride
Witness awe-inspiring scenery unfold in your journey between Christchurch and Greymouth as you traverse the mountainous backbone of New Zealand’s South Island. Sit back, relax and soak up the breathtaking and ever shifting landscapes along the way.
From Christchurch, the train leaves at 8.15AM and arrives at Greymouth at 1.05PM.
From Greymouth, the train leaves at 2.05PM and arrives at Christchurch at 6.31PM.
Details
Difficulty: 3
Daily departures October to May only.
Winter departures available for groups of 6 or more.
Start: Hokitika
Finish: Greymouth
Includes:
Standard package
- Standard bike hire for 3 days – including helmet and rear rack bag. Upgrades are available. (Own bike and gear is also an option)
- 2 nights accommodation at standard level
- Luggage transfers each day (Max 15KG per bag)
- 1 breakfast
- Entry to Treetop Walk
- Shuttle from Hokitika to Treetop Walkway on Day 1
- Trip itinerary, directions and trail map info
Superior package
- Standard bike hire for 3 days – including helmet and rear rack bag. Upgrades are available. (Own bike and gear is also an option)
- 2 nights accommodation at superior level
- Luggage transfers each day (Max 15KG per bag)
- 2 breakfasts & 1 packed lunch
- Dinner at Scenic Waterways
- Entry to Treetop Walk
- Lake Mahinapua boat cruise
- Shuttle from Hokitika to Treetop Walkway on Day 1
- Trip itinerary, directions and trail map info
Pricing:
Cost per Person
October 2024 - May 2025*
- Standard Accommodation: from NZ$695
- Superior Accommodation: from NZ$895
*Nov 2024, Feb-March 2025 (High season)
- Standard Accommodation: from NZ$795
- Superior Accommodation: from NZ$995
Extras
- E-bike upgrade: NZ$168
Overview
Our 3 day West Coast Gold Rush independent cycle trip from Hokitika to Greymouth in New Zealand is ideal for strong bike riders seeking to put the ride under their wheels or those taking a long weekend.
On your adventure you will discover historic gold-mining towns, wild native bush and rugged coastlines, all whilst taking in awe-inspiring vistas of the Southern Alps.
E-bike Upgrade
Explore the West Coast Wilderness Trail on our E-bikes equipped with the most advanced technology allowing smooth electric motor operation so you’ll have power boost when needed. Enjoy the ride from a comfortable upright riding position.
Scenic Waterways Experience (Superior Level)
Discover Lake Mahinapua’s remote wilderness location on a West Coast Scenic Waterways tour, a family-run operation that takes you on a boat cruise on the lake for a wonderful stay in a self-contained cottage where you take in grand views of the Southern Alps and enjoy on-site dining. On our West Coast Gold Rush superior package, experience the Scenic Waterways on the first night.
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ride
Witness awe-inspiring scenery unfold in your journey between Christchurch and Greymouth as you traverse the mountainous backbone of New Zealand’s South Island. Sit back, relax and soak up the breathtaking and ever shifting landscapes along the way.
From Christchurch, the train leaves at 8.15AM and arrives at Greymouth at 1.05PM.
From Greymouth, the train leaves at 2.05PM and arrives at Christchurch at 6.31PM.
Royal Hotel, Kumara
Kaniere Water Race
TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Itinerary
Open AllYour trip starts from the town of Hokitika, considered the hub of the Wilderness Trail, a short flight or three-hour drive from Christchurch.
Meeting at our Hokitika depot, you will receive a trip briefing before being transferred to the historic gold mining village of Ross to start your first day on the trail. If you have time, you may want to try your hand at some gold panning before you set off on your ride.
From Ross, you will cycle over the Totara River, and along the old Ross Ruatapu Railway line, taking in incredible views of the mighty Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
You will then cycle through wetlands and native bush before giving your bike a rest at the Treetop Walk. Here, you experience native forest, birdsong and views of Lake Mahinapua from the heights of the tree canopy.
Accommodation tonight is either at Scenic Waterways (approx. 5km south of Hokitika) or in the township itself.*
*Dependent upon your choice of package and availability at the time of booking.
After organising your own lunch from one of the local cafes or supermarkets, your longest day of cycling departs the Hokitika township via a riverside trail through the suburbs. This is quickly followed by three stunning, single-track sections through beautiful native bush eventually taking you to the shores of Lake Kaniere. From here you will continue on the cycle trail and ride the gentle zigzags up through Milltown.
Descending into the Arahua Valley, the trail then takes you through pristine bushland taking in the stunning views of the creek below as you cycle across the Macpherson Swing Bridge.
The Southern Alps make a welcome appearance today so take the time to snap some photos. This is the West Coast at its best: native bush, mountains, and nature. Enjoy!
A smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail take you alongside the Kawhaka Canal and through the historic goldfield links of Stafford and Goldsborough, before finally making your way into Kumara.
Stay the night in accommodation that pays homage to the height of the Kumara gold mining boom of the 1870’s, New Zealand’s last big gold rush of the 19th century.
Hop on your bikes and head to the coast! The last ride of the trip rewards you with flawless views of the Taramakau River before making the journey to the Tasman Sea alongside coastal sand dunes and lagoons.
One last ride along the Grey River will take you into Greymouth, just in time for a celebratory lunch at the Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth (optional).
Finish in Greymouth.
(The TranzAlpine Train is a great way to get back to Christchurch if you are heading that way.)
Cost per Person
October 2024 - May 2025*
- Standard Accommodation: from NZ$695
- Superior Accommodation: from NZ$895
*Nov 2024, Feb-March 2025 (High season)
- Standard Accommodation: from NZ$795
- Superior Accommodation: from NZ$995
Extras
- E-bike upgrade: NZ$168
Itinerary
Open AllYour trip starts from the town of Hokitika, considered the hub of the Wilderness Trail, a short flight or three-hour drive from Christchurch.
Meeting at our Hokitika depot, you will receive a trip briefing before being transferred to the historic gold mining village of Ross to start your first day on the trail. If you have time, you may want to try your hand at some gold panning before you set off on your ride.
From Ross, you will cycle over the Totara River, and along the old Ross Ruatapu Railway line, taking in incredible views of the mighty Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
You will then cycle through wetlands and native bush before giving your bike a rest at the Treetop Walk. Here, you experience native forest, birdsong and views of Lake Mahinapua from the heights of the tree canopy.
Accommodation tonight is either at Scenic Waterways (approx. 5km south of Hokitika) or in the township itself.*
*Dependent upon your choice of package and availability at the time of booking.
After organising your own lunch from one of the local cafes or supermarkets, your longest day of cycling departs the Hokitika township via a riverside trail through the suburbs. This is quickly followed by three stunning, single-track sections through beautiful native bush eventually taking you to the shores of Lake Kaniere. From here you will continue on the cycle trail and ride the gentle zigzags up through Milltown.
Descending into the Arahua Valley, the trail then takes you through pristine bushland taking in the stunning views of the creek below as you cycle across the Macpherson Swing Bridge.
The Southern Alps make a welcome appearance today so take the time to snap some photos. This is the West Coast at its best: native bush, mountains, and nature. Enjoy!
A smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail take you alongside the Kawhaka Canal and through the historic goldfield links of Stafford and Goldsborough, before finally making your way into Kumara.
Stay the night in accommodation that pays homage to the height of the Kumara gold mining boom of the 1870’s, New Zealand’s last big gold rush of the 19th century.
Hop on your bikes and head to the coast! The last ride of the trip rewards you with flawless views of the Taramakau River before making the journey to the Tasman Sea alongside coastal sand dunes and lagoons.
One last ride along the Grey River will take you into Greymouth, just in time for a celebratory lunch at the Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth (optional).
Finish in Greymouth.
(The TranzAlpine Train is a great way to get back to Christchurch if you are heading that way.)
